If staying on Lake Zurich, but not in the city of Zurich itself, what are some great places to visit beyond the big city. It is hard to research because 90% of "Lake Zurich" searches still seem to be about Zurich. Rapperswil-Jona looks interesting. Any other suggestions for those interested in history, art, food, wine, walking/hiking, etc.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11333 posts
Your mention of hiking made me think this site might help you https://swissfamilyfun.com/zurich-switzerland-guide/.
Sometimes I just use Google Maps of an area and start looking at sites and towns that pop up. Where, exactly, are you staying?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16316 posts
Not ancient history, but you could take a boat to Küsnacht on the Zurichsee “Gold Coast” and see where Tina Turner lived (and died), and join the admirers who apparently gather at the entrance gate each morning to lay flowers:
https://derinternaut.ch/schweiz/zuerich/kuesnacht-city-limits-am-zuerichsee-mit-tina-turner/
Posted by
OP
769 posts
Thanks for these. We'll be staying in Thalwil.
Posted by
Switzerland
383 posts
Most of the towns right on the lake are small, upscale commuter villages, most of which are not that interesting for tourists. Rapperswil is bigger and ok for a day trip - you can actually walk across the lake to/from the other side (Pfäffikon Schwyz, on the same train line as Thalwil). https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-849
There is also an interesting “tree museum” nearby if you like landscaped gardens https://www.enea.ch/baummuseum/?lang=en
The Sihlwald and Langenberg wildlife park is also nice for walks and easy to get to from Thalwil (directions on website) https://www.wildnispark.ch/en/
For wine, check out some of the vineyards around the lake https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/wine-in-zurich/zurichs-wineries.
Not on the lake, but you’re pretty close to Einsiedeln which has a famous abbey and nice nature around it https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/attractions/einsiedeln-abbey
or Zug (nice small town on a beautiful lake, known for cherries, many nice walks in the area) https://www.zug-tourismus.ch/en
Hope that gives you a few more ideas!
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
I was in Switzerland last week and the day before our flight we had some hours in Zurich so we took the train to
the Rhine Falls and spent a few pleasant hours there. It was hot in Zurich so a boat ride on the river and getting close to the falls was wonderful. There were places to walk and have a meal or snack.
https://rhyfall-maendli.ch/
Posted by
OP
769 posts
Great suggestions...thanks!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7320 posts